Body alignment and correction device

ABSTRACT

The body alignment and correction device disclosed herein includes a belt for wearing about the waist of a user. The device further includes removable and repositionable foam blocks to displace portions of the belt away from the user&#39;s body. A method of stimulating abdominal or back muscles of a user of the device by selectively placing foam blocks to space a portion of the belt away from a user&#39;s body is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to exercise equipment and in particular to a body alignment and correction device.

2. Background Art

Exercise equipment, particularly when used in an athletic club, has become very popular. Unfortunately, to put it simply, most people who are working out are doing it wrong. They hold their bodies and limbs in incorrect positions, resulting in repetitive motion injuries, imbalanced development of their muscle groups, and other long-term problems that are easily avoided with the correct posture and limb positioning. A body alignment and correction device, which secures the user's body and limbs in the correct positions when working out, would resolve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a body alignment and correction device. The device provides a rectangular platform, with a front post and a rear post which unfold and telescope into position. Carabiner clips are provided along the sides of the platform. Various elastic and other workout attachments may be clipped to the carabiner clips, and to the upper ends of the front post and rear post, providing resistance for the user during a workout. An adjustable, removable claw attachment on the rear post secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct alignment during the workout. Four retractable caster wheels at the corners of the platform enable the user to easily move the device around the workout area as desired.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment in the unfolded position, displaying the platform 10, the front post 11, the rear post 12, the claw attachment 12A, the carabiner clips 13, the barbell table 14, and the workout attachments 15;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the platform component of the first exemplary embodiment in the folded position, displaying the platform 10, and the caster wheels 10A;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a portion of the belt component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the belt 16, the snaps 17, a belt clip 18, and the band 19;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the belt component of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the belt 16, the snaps 17, the belt clips 18, the foam blocks 20, and the fasteners 21; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of belt component of the first exemplary embodiment in a reverse bent position, displaying the belt 16, the snaps 17, the belt clip 18, the band 19, the foam blocks 20, and the fasteners 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a body alignment and correction device.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a body alignment and correction device for use during workouts. The device provides a rectangular platform 10, with a front post 11 and a rear post 12 which unfold and telescope into position, rotate fully through a 180° arc, and may be locked into position at any length or angle as desired. Carabiner clips 13 are provided along the sides of the platform 10. Various elastic and other workout attachments 15 may be clipped to the carabiner clips 13, and to the upper ends of the front post 11 and rear post 12, providing resistance for the user during a workout.

An adjustable, removable claw attachment 12A on the rear post secures the user's shoulders and upper body in the correct alignment during the workout. A removable barbell table 14 may be secured to the platform 10, enabling the user to work out with barbells or other hand weights while secured in the correct posture by the claw attachment 12A. Four retractable caster wheels 10A at the corners of the platform 10 enable the user to easily move the device around the workout area as desired. The platform 10 is hinged in the center such that it may be folded in half for easy transport and storage.

A broad, padded belt 16 is provided, with hook-and-loop fasteners 21 at either end. The belt 16 is preferably 3-4 inches wide. The layers of the belt 16 are affixed to each other with snaps 17. The layers of the belt 16 may also be fastened with other fastening devices such as zippers and hook and loop fasteners. The layers of the belt 16 may also be sewn together with stitching. Flat bands 19, terminating in rings or carabiner style belt clips 18, are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the belt 16, which may be used as drawstrings to tighten and secure the belt 16 around the user's waist, or secure the user's body to the device. In other embodiments the bands may each terminate in a complimentary buckle member so that the bands may be fastened in front of the user when worn. The bands 19 may also include adjustment buckles so that the bands 19 may be adjusted in length. A ring may also be attached near the buckle member on each band. The bands 19 are preferably 1.5 inches wide, and covered for two-thirds of their length with neoprene sleeves. Divots and snaps 17 hold the neoprene sleeves together.

The snaps 17 enable the user to remove and replace the bands 19 if they are broken or worn out, or if the belt 16 needs to be laundered. The foam blocks 20 may be positioned such that they are just above the kidneys on the back for users who are flexion intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to only contact the user's abdomen, not the lower back. Alternatively, the foam blocks 20 may be positioned such that they are just above the hip bones in front for users who are extension intolerant. This allows the belt 16 to only contact the user's lower back, not the abdomen.

Foam blocks 20 are also provided, and affixed to the belt 16 such that when the belt 16 is worn, the foam blocks 20 are located on or below the user's kidney area. In the preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the foam blocks 20 are approximately 2.5″ (thickness)×3″ (width)×4.5″ (length). The foam blocks are preferably made of at least two types of foam to provide a firmer base of support nearer the belt 16. In the most preferred embodiment, the foam blocks 20 are constructed of a first layer of high density foam, and a second layer of lower density foam. The high density foam is preferably 0.5 inches thick, and the lower density foam is approximately 2 inches thick.

The foam blocks 20 are removable in the event that the user wishes to rely on the pull of the bands 19. In the most preferred embodiment, the rear surface of the belt which faces the user when the belt is worn may include hook and loop fastener material on a portion of its length to allow the foam blocks, or enclosures or coverings for the foam blocks, to be selectively attached at various positions along the belt 16. In such an embodiment, the surface of the foam block 20 or its enclosure or covering has a hook or loop fastener on the outer surface that is complimentary to the fastener on the rear surface of the belt 16.

The foam blocks 20 are preferably placed in an enclosure or covering. This prevents deterioration of the foam blocks from abrasion or contact with the user's perspiration. The enclosure or covering preferably covers all sides of the blocks 20 and includes a closure such as a zipper to allow a block to be inserted and removed. The enclosure or covering preferably also includes hook or loop fasteners on at least one outer surface so that it may be attached to selected locations about the rear surface of the belt 16. In the preferred embodiment, the loop portion of the fasteners are located on the rear surface of the belt, and the complimentary loop portions is on the block enclosure or covering.

The enclosure or covering may also include a block securing assembly to further secure the blocks 20 to the belt 16. The block securing assembly generally connects the top and bottom of a block, enclosure, or covering, and is positioned so that the belt 16 is captured between a strap of the assembly and a block 20. The strap of the preferred embodiment is a length of webbing approximately two inches wide and 7 inches in length. The block securing assembly includes a slotted loop attached to the top of the enclosure or covering, and an end of the strap is attached to the bottom of the enclosure or covering. With the enclosure or covering positioned on the rear surface of the belt, the strap is positioned so that it is proximate to the front surface of the belt, and the free end of the strap is fed through the slotted loop. The strap is then pulled tight and secured against itself with fasteners, such as snaps or complimentary hook and loop fasteners.

To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may place the platform 10 in the workout area, extend the front pole 11 and the rear pole 12 at any angle and to any length desired, and lock them into position. The user may then attach one or more workout attachments 15 to the carabiner clips 13, or the upper ends of the front pole 11 and the rear pole 12 as desired. The user may secure the claw attachment 12A to the rear pole 12 at the desired height, then secure the claw attachment 12A to the shoulders and upper body, pick up the workout attachments 15, and being the workout. Alternately, the user may secure the barbell table 14 to the platform 10 and work out with barbells or other hand weights, or the user may wear the belt 16 around the waist and secure the claw attachment 12A to the belt 16.

When finished with the workout, the user may extend the caster wheels 10A and roll the platform 10 wherever desired. Alternately, the user may detach the barbell table 14 or the workout attachments 15, and remove the claw attachment 12A. Then the user may unlock, retract, and fold the front post 11 and the rear post 12, and fold up the platform 10 for transport or storage.

The device is a flexion extension dominant system, which determines the environment wherein a particular human body will function at its highest level. This theory was derived from the rehabilitation concepts of flexion intolerance and extension intolerance. Flexion intolerance is posterior chain weakness, while extension intolerance is anterior chain weakness. When the intolerance is observed, the therapist can determine the injury trail a patient may have and lifestyle influences such as employment and sports wherein the patient would excel. This information could substantially impact future wear and tear on joints, direction of an athlete in particular sports, and which employment career is best suited for an individual. It is also observed that this may have an influence on the learning styles of various people based on environments.

It is found that flexion intolerant people have possible damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to crunch or flex the spine. However, they need to keep their abdominal muscles stimulated by weight behind them, such as a backpack or band, or pressure against the lower abdominal muscles. If not stimulated, their posterior muscles will not activate. These people tend to prefer standing more than sitting, and they tend to lean on objects such as tables and counters for relief. These people like to sleep on the side or the stomach. They tend to have weak hamstrings, biceps, shoulders, upper trapezius, upper chest, lower back, and calves. The common overuse injuries are plantar fasciitis, ACL tears, bicipital tendinitis, low back injuries like herniations, lordosis, and neck issues. Diastasis is also noted. These people tend to prefer activities where they push down, lift a knee, or use their abdominal muscles, such as mopping floors, massage, hiking uphill, and picking up items from the floor or lower shelves. Sports these people excel in are sprinting, hockey, wrestling, kickboxing, and soccer. Careers these people excel in are massage therapy, construction, flooring installation, and cleaning. These people tend to comprehend best while looking down or writing, such as highlighting a book or using an iPad. The belt 16 of the device is worn where it touches the abdominal muscles and not the lower back, or a band can be worn touching the abdominal muscles and pulling the hips backward where a flexion intolerant person must engage the posterior chain. This pull allows for the shoulders and hamstrings to activate properly and develop. The belt 16, the device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are missing.

It is found that extension intolerant people have possible damage to the spine where it is advised for them not to hyperextend the spine or dead lift. However, they need to keep their lower back or extensor muscles stimulated by weight in front of them, such as a front pack below the neck, or by a band, or pressure against the lower back. If not stimulated, their posterior muscles will not activate. These people tend to like to sit and sleep on their sides or their backs. They tend to have weak quadriceps, latissimus dorsi, lower chest, abdominals, gluteus, and triceps. The common overuse injuries are Achilles tendinitis, Achilles rupture, meniscus tears, quadriceps tears, hip pain, slipped discs, torn rotator cuffs, cervical problems, kyphosis, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel. Hernias are also noted. These people tend to like activities where they stand tall, extend their arms above the head, sit up straight, and hold weight in front of them. Sports these people tend to excel in are gymnastics, basketball, baseball, golf, distance running, tennis, and dance. Careers these people excel in are hairdressing, computer jobs, servers, drivers, and painters. These people tend to comprehend best while looking up or leaning back in a chair or bed. They tend to do better with desktop computers. The belt 16 of the device is worn where it touches the lower back and not the abdominal muscles, or a band can be worn touching the lower back and pulling the hips forward where an extension intolerant person must engage their anterior chain. This pull allows for the latissimus dorsi, abdominals, gluteus and quadriceps to properly activate and develop. The belt 16, the device, and the cardio attachments can help elicit this force to produce proper body mechanics that traditional exercises are missing.

The device will improve health care, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, lowering incidences of injury and speeding up rehabilitation. Work related injuries which will be reduced include lower back, knees, carpal tunnel, neck, and headaches. The device will assist in directing people into sports and careers, including military specialties, that are compatible with their body type. The device may help improve sexual enjoyment and fertility, indicating which positions may be most suitable. The device will help with exercise and obesity control, since people do not like to experience pain when working out, and a pain-free workout is more likely to be completed regularly. The device will help with sleep positions and the selection of vehicles, chairs, and other furniture to prevent discomfort, generally improving comfort and quality of life. The device will also improve cognition and learning by informing the user regarding the best positions for reading.

The platform 10 and the barbell table 14 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material, such as steel, aluminum alloy, or wood. The caster wheels 10A are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy, providing solid tires which are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as rubber or silicone. The front post 11, the rear post 12, and the carabiner clips 13 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy. The claw attachment 12A is preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as steel or aluminum alloy, coated with a flexible, durable material such as rubber or silicone.

The workout attachments 15 are preferably manufactured from a variety of rigid, durable materials such as steel, aluminum alloy, plastic, and wood, and flexible, durable materials such as rubber and nylon webbing. The belt 16 is preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as nylon webbing. The snaps 17 and the belt clips 18 are preferably manufactured from a rigid, durable material such as plastic or steel. The bands 19 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material with a substantial elastic quality, such as rubber, covered for two-thirds of their length by sleeves which are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as neoprene.

The foam blocks 20 are preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid, durable material such as foam rubber. The fasteners 21 are preferably manufactured from a flexible, durable material such as plastic or nylon. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those or ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A belt for wearing about a user's body, the belt having a first end and a second end, and a front surface facing away from the user's body and a rear surface facing towards a user's body, a fastener for fastening the belt about the user's waist, and a pair of blocks positioned on the rear surface of the belt to space a portion of the rear surface of the belt away from the user's body.
 2. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are removable.
 3. The belt of claim 2, wherein the blocks are repositionable at various locations on the rear surface of the belt.
 4. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the user's back, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away from the user's back.
 5. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are positioned on the rear surface of the belt so that each block is positioned on the user's abdomen, thereby spacing the rear surface of the belt away from the user's abdomen.
 6. The belt of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the belt includes a first band and a second band, each band attached to the front surface of the belt, and each band having a free end terminating in a fastener.
 7. The belt of claim 6, wherein each band is partially covered by a neoprene sleeve.
 8. The belt of claim 6, wherein the first band and second band are used drawstrings to tighten the belt about the user's waist.
 10. The belt of claim 6 wherein the first and second band have an elastic quality.
 11. The belt of claim 1, wherein the blocks are made of foam.
 12. A method of stimulating the abdominal muscles of a flexion intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed about the flexion intolerant person's waist, the belt including blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's back when the belt is worn around the user's waist.
 13. A method of stimulating the back muscles of an extension intolerant person, including the steps of providing a belt placed about the extension intolerant person's waist, the belt including blocks to space a portion of the belt away from the user's abdomen when the belt is worn around the user's waist. 